2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Overview

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a clean sheet redesign, and the fourth generation of the iconic roadster offers new styling inside and out along with plenty of updates to the drivetrain and chassis.

This is the fourth generation of the MX-5 Miata, dubbed the ND (following the NA/NB/NC). Previous versions of the Miata had “cutesier” styling, but Mazda as a company has moved towards a more angular, aggressive look and the Miata follows suit. The hood dives forward to make a low nose, fronted by a black grill and sharp headlight clusters with new LED daytime running light accents. A black convertible soft top is standard, along with LED headlights and taillights and 16-inch wheels (17-inch wheels are optional). The hood and trunk lid are both made from aluminum, which saves weight.

Weight is always an issue on the Miata and this new model is the lightest since the original NA generation, after losing 150 pounds in the redesign. Under the hood is a new engine as well, a 155-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV engine that makes 148 pounds-feet of torque. The engine has been mounted lower and further back, to drop the center of gravity even more and keep the weight distribution near perfect. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The new Miata also sees fuel economy gains to 27/34 mpg city/highway with the manual or 27/36 mpg with the automatic.

The Miata is offered in three trim levels, Sport, Club, and Grand Touring which offers the most amenities and features. There isn’t much room for the two occupants of a Miata and the dimensions for the new generation are roughly the same as the old model, but steps have been taken to make the cabin feel more airy including lowering the seats which means taller drivers can now fit even with the top up. The Miata also gets the same 7-inch LCD display mounted high up on the dash that is found in the Mazda3, which is operated with a rotary knob and buttons located between the two seats. Standard features include air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, push button start, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and USB port. Also available are navigation, a BOSE audio system, heated seats, and leather upholstery.

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